Little things to do to beat the January blues

January is noted as being one of the most challenging months in the calendar. The festivities that lighten up the cold and darker months are over and we are left to face reality. This year feels especially hard as the UK enters another lockdown. 

Although it can feel difficult at times we don't have to stay in negative space. There are little things we can do daily to improve our mood and make January a little less tough. 

1- Establish a morning and evening routine

As humans we are creatures of habit. Having a routine brings us a sense of stability. For many, including myself, the usual routine has been cut off with the new lockdown.  However, there are two routines we can still implement - a morning and evening routine. 

After applying a morning routine for the past 6 months, I can say it is transformative. Taking some time for yourself when you first wake up can really boost your mood as well as setting you up for a positive and productive day. It doesn't have to be long, it's all about what works for you. I recommend incorporating journaling and meditating as both of these methods allow you to realise negative thoughts and emotions. 

To read more about how to create a morning routine click here.

An evening routine is a great way to close off each day. I recommend doing steps that will help aid a good sleep. This can include skincare, a shower and journalling. 

I think the best thing to do as part of an evening routine is switch off electricals at least one hour before bed- something I'm trying to do myself! I have realised how draining technology can be so it's important to step away from it, especially if you want a good sleep. The light of a screen and information consumed can really effect how you sleep. Instead of being on a device you could read, listen to music or talk with your partner and/or family. 

2- Take up a hobby

Before lockdown, pre-2020 I'm sure a lot of us said 'I'd like to do that if I had the time'. What's that thing for you? Is it something you could do at home? Taking up a hobby is a great way to take your mind off struggles because you're focusing on something new and positive. There are endless things you could do, you could take up writing, painting, puzzles, crafts, baking...

3- Get creative

We might not be able to do the things we usually enjoy like a night out with the girls or a meal at a restaurant but we can switch things up and do things from home that still create amazing memories. How about making a home come dine with me night for you and your family/flatmates or yourself? You could experiment with recipes and flavours. Doing something like this can actually be more fun than going to a restaurant! It's all about utilising what you do have.  

If you're living alone creating something virtual is key. You could do a virtual meal, quiz night or even go on a walk with someone by heading out and chatting to them on the phone. 

4- Be in nature/outdoors

The cold and rainy weather might make us want to hide under the covers until Summer but spending time outdoors everyday is so important. Getting away from technology and the four walls  you see everyday helps elevate your mood. Being outside is, as corny as it sounds, like a breath of fresh air. If the thought of going outside makes you shiver, trying just going for a five minute walk and build yourself up. I guarantee you'll fall in love with your daily walks. 

5- Focus on being present 

For many of us it's easy to get wrapped up in worrying about the future. This can make us feel blue, especially with all the news circulating about the future for us graduates thanks to the pandemic. What we should be doing is focusing on the present because that's all we have.  

Constantly worrying about the future makes us panic, worry and have fear. The truth is we don't have control of the that, we only have control of what's in front of us now thus the now is where our attention should go. Imagine how much you could enjoy the present if you choose not to focus on the future or past. 

Staying in the present moment isn't easy. One of the best methods I've found to help me stay present is noticing when  I feel negative emotions. I know these emotions usually occur because I'm not being in the moment. For example, waking up and feeling worried because of a presentation that's coming up. That emotion is caused from a future event. Picking up this cue helps remind me to be present. I recognise why I feel the way I do and so I can work on bringing myself back into the present moment.

I hope that you all are doing as well as you can this January. It is a difficult month for numerous reasons but please always remember you are not alone. If you ever need to talk please leave a message or comment below. 

Nothing is permanent, this too shall pass.

Until next week,

Mx